IHP vs 504

[SavyNurse, ADN, EMT-B]

Hi. Background: I came in as the school nurse in December as a first time school nurse (worked hospital 2 years before this so still learning). I am still trying to find documentation and seeing that things are in order file wise as the previous nurse didn't do anything really before me. Anyways... Most severe allergies I have been brought in on to create or continue an IHP. I have a student though that has severe peanut allergy and a 504 in place as well as an emergency action plan (EAP) but no IHP. Now, I don't know if there was one and it was misplaced or he never had one. And know one else here knows the answer to that Do you think the 504 and EAP are good or should an IHP also be created at this point? Thanks!!!

[WineRN]

I feel like this is different for each of us. My district requires an IHP for any student with a 504 BUT an EAP can be counted as a IHP. I think it's really repetitive but the higher ups argument is that the 504 should be more classroom focused while the IHP should be nursing focused. In my case it's usually the same information in two different formats.

[Amethya]

I'm sorry for sounding ignorant but what are the differences between IHP, 504 and EAP?

[OldDude]

EAP included in the 504 is good enough. Like Wine said above, the EAP is the IHP; you just didn't have to write it:happy:

Just a side note - IHPs can come in many and varied forms so don't make them too complicated for yourself. For instance, the prescription label on an epipen can actually serve as the IHP. Eh?

[OldDude]

I'm sorry for sounding ignorant but what are the differences between IHP, 504 and EAP?

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.

IHP - Individual Health Plan

EAP - Emergency Action Plan

[SavyNurse, ADN, EMT-B]

EAP included in the 504 is good enough. Like Wine said above, the EAP is the IHP; you just didn't have to write it:happy:

Just a side note - IHPs can come in many and varied forms so don't make them too complicated for yourself. For instance, the prescription label on an epipen can actually serve as the IHP. Eh?

Thank you! I told my SPED that the EAP was good enough for me if it was good enough for her and the parents. Its almost the end of the year and I'm drained lol

[mainecoonRN92, BSN, RN]

I agree with Wine.

It kinda depends on the situation. A 504 is for classroom accommodations due to a diagnoses that affects at least one or more major life activities. If the diagnosis is more medically based, you might want to have the flexibility of a IHP (HCP) since you can change that at any time.

For example: On the 504 I may have instructions about a diabetic student and that they need to be excused 5 minutes early for lunch to check their blood sugar but on the IHP have what the orders state and what a health tech should do if they are severely hypo or hyper.

[chasinRT]

I am still trying to find documentation and seeing that things are in order file wise as the previous nurse didn't do anything really before me.

I can't imagine a school nurse not really doing anything...maybe you just haven't figured out his/her system yet. Good luck in your new position.

[SavyNurse, ADN, EMT-B]

I can't imagine a school nurse not really doing anything...maybe you just haven't figured out his/her system yet. Good luck in your new position.

The one the last 2 years before me had a very good system but I never got to talk to her before I started. Another nurse started this year and I was told trained with the previous nurse but she was only here maybe half the time in the 2 months she worked. So other than vaccine paperwork for the state, there wasn't much else done or updated.